48-49-50-51 Event Focus_muk.qxp_NEW LSB 2008 GRID 10/01/2019 09:33 Page 48
EVENT FOCUS
Show and tell
Above: eOne is just one of the licensors which finds benefits from attending Bologna Licensing Trade Fair.
The UK licensing trade is getting ready to pack its collective bags for the spring trade fairs – with many execs set to take in London, Germany, Birmingham, New York, Italy and France over the next few months. LSB checks in with the show organisers and some attendees and exhibitors.
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t’s a new year and that can only mean one thing – it’s trade show season. And, with the looming shadow that is Brexit, this year’s run of events could be more important than ever when it comes to deciding on the big new brands and products, as well as sharing knowledge and gaining feedback from retail. While a number of the UK licensing trade will have already visited Hong Kong by the time you read this, the official kick off on home soil is UK Toy Fair, which runs at London’s Olympia from January 22-24. The show sold out its exhibition space back in October, and over 250 companies will be on the showfloor.
Licensed toys will, of course, play a major part, as Majen Immink, director of fairs and special events at the BTHA, explains: “Since our first show in 1954, Toy Fair is all about showcasing the talent and ingenuity of the UK toy industry. Licensed toys are always an important part of that, and we’re delighted to have so many influential exhibiting companies that specialise in this sector. “Some of the hottest brands will be featured by our exhibiting companies including Marvel, Fortnite, Disney, DC, Overwatch and Rick & Morty. Funko is a great example, as they will have all of these brands as Inset: Spielwarenmesse has become a must attend show for the licensing industry. Centre: Kazachok is looking to broaden its array of exhibitors in 2019.
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LICENSING SOURCE BOOK EUROPE 2019
Above: Global Licensing’s appar